A celebration of Scottish identity, international friendship and the power of unity on the world’s most iconic stage
The call has gone out. And it has been answered. This August, more than 800 performers from across the globe have gather at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026, A Call To Gather.
From Europe, New Zealand, Qatar and the United States, to Scotland’s own world-renowned military and traditional performers, A Call To Gather will see an extraordinary international cast come together for a full programme of music, dance and spectacle. As the 2026 lead service, the Royal Air Force provides the military heart of the show.
Representing the Narrator throughout the production is The Call 1914 Statue, voiced by acclaimed Scottish actor Richard Rankin. The striking bronze monument in West Princes Street Gardens honouring the Scottish soldiers who answered the call from around the world during the First World War. The statue provides a powerful visual link to this year’s central theme, the enduring call to come together.
This year, as the world gathers once again in the heart of Edinburgh, A Call To Gather celebrates not only the extraordinary talent on the Esplanade, but the enduring connections that have brought the Tattoo and its audiences together for more than 75 years. But the spirit of the show reaches far beyond the Esplanade.
The Tattoo will continue its longstanding commitment to charity, donating money raised from the show its charity partners.
Alan Lane, Creative Director at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Performers and audiences will come from across the globe, answering the call to join us in Edinburgh, in a celebration of the music, dance and performance.
“The Tattoo is unlike any other show in the world. And every year, we challenge ourselves to delight and move our audience, whilst always honouring the traditions the Tattoo is built on.
“It will forever be the case that the scale, the setting, and the sense of occasion of the Tattoo are extraordinary, and A Call to Gather builds on those foundations with a renewed sense of global connection. There’s never been a more important time to connect with each other through culture.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: “For more than 75 years, the Tattoo has brought people from Scotland and around the world together through the shared language of music, performance, and culture. A Call to Gather captures that spirit perfectly.
“This summer’s show is a powerful reflection of the unique role the Tattoo plays in bringing people together, and how that impact of sharing cultures reaches far beyond the Esplanade. A role never more important than today. Together we gather, connect, and share something extraordinary – so thank you.”
The full line up for 2026 includes: Central Band of the Royal Air Force, the Band of the Royal Air Force College, the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment and the Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, the Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra, German Army Band (Heeresmusikkorps) Koblenz, New Zealand Army Band, Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team, United States Army Field Band, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers, Royal Air Force Massed Military Bands, The 10th Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment Pipes And Drums, 154 (Scottish) Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, The Combined Universities Officer Training Corps Pipes And Drums, Vancouver Police Pipes And Drums, The Pipes And Drums Of The Queen’s Royal Hussars and The Royal Dragoon Guards and 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment.
The spectacular celebration of music, military precision, culture and connection kicks off tonight (Friday 7 August) and runs until Saturday 29 August 2026.
Tickets for 2026 are limited, but remaining tickets can still be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188.